JPS6313311B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to electrical connectors for terminating cords.

So-called modular plugs are designed to allow the installer as well as the subscriber to insert or remove the plug from the jack. This allows customers to replace cords or connect newly acquired phones to existing wall terminals. The ease with which the telephone handset can be connected to and disconnected from the wall terminal makes the handset portable. Additionally, the customer can disconnect the retractable cord connecting the telephone handset to the base and reconnect the cord to eliminate kinks.

Modular plugs for terminating telephone cords are described, for example, in British Patent No. 1347166 and in US Patent No.
It is known from No. 3761869.

Modular plugs must be constructed to eliminate the reduction in dielectric strength that accompanies a reduction in breakdown voltage, resulting in a reduction in service. In order to meet dielectric strength requirements between adjacent conductors and/or terminals, the plug housing is constructed with individual ducts or cells for receiving individual ones of the cord conductors, the cells having a height of They are separated from each other by extending partitions. This differs from conventional modularized plugs in which the conductors are generally arranged side by side in continuous relationship with each other in top open recesses.

Although the use of individual conductor receiving cells is advantageous from a dielectric strength standpoint, their use poses at least one problem. Terminals supported by the housing extend between the cell and the channel, and these connect the cord when the plug is inserted into the jack and the jack's wires to be received in the aligned channel at predetermined intervals. an opening in the outer surface of the plug for making a connection between the plugs; but,
The thickness of the cell floor-to-ceiling partitions makes the cell spacing different from the jack lines. Therefore,
The terminals must extend between channels that have the same centerline spacing as the jack lines and cells that have different centerline spacings than the jack lines.

Another solution for plugging conductors of one spacing into jack wires of a different spacing is to change the spacing of the jack wires and the spacing in which the terminals are inserted to that of the conductors. This is not a practical alternative because it would require modifying or replacing all of the existing machinery used to manufacture modular plugs and jacks at unreasonable expense.

Another obvious problem lies in the formation of plugs of this method with individual cells for the conductors. Minimizing the length of the partitions that form the individual cells aids in plug shaping by allowing the use of more compact and stronger core pins;
In order to eliminate the reduction in dielectric strength, any reduction in the length of the individual cells must be offset by other features of the plug that increase its dielectric strength.

Dielectric strength, and therefore breakdown voltage, may also be reduced due to the portability feature of modularized systems in which unused modularized jacket voids are sometimes exposed to corrosive atmospheres. and,
When the plug is inserted into the jack cavity, the metal contact wires of the jack that become corroded engage the terminals of the plug, thereby initiating corrosion onto the terminals. This is prevented by plating the exposed portion of the terminal with a corrosive material.

Conventionally, terminals have been constructed with side edges interrupted by cutouts that are used as guide holes in the formation of continuous strip terminals. Undesirably, a portion of the side edge of the terminal adjacent the contact line of the jack does not engage the plastic housing when the terminal is installed within the housing. Since only the cutouts on the side edge surfaces of the terminals were plated, the exposed portions adjacent to the jack wires were subject to corrosion.

Yet another problem relates to supporting the terminal within the housing so that unexpected movement of the terminal is prevented. Conventional terminals have relied on the above-mentioned side edges having side edge bars or intermediate cutouts for their support. While this bar was not entirely satisfactory in preventing rotational movement of the installed terminal, the side edges of the cut-out terminal were subject to corrosion.

According to the invention, an electrical connector for terminating a cord having a plurality of insulated conductors includes a plurality of conductor receiving channels (hereinafter referred to as channels) spaced apart by a certain interval (referred to as a first interval);
an insulative housing having a plurality of terminal receiving slots (hereinafter referred to as slots) each aligned with and associated with its associated channel, the electrical connector having at least one terminal receiving slot in each of the slots; an internal contact portion partially inserted and for penetrating the insulation and making electrical contact with the conductor in its associated channel;
It includes a conductive terminal having an external contact portion for allowing electrical contact to the outside and edge portions disposed on opposite sides that compressively engage the material of the housing to resist unexpected movement of the terminal. Further, the electrical connector communicates with the exterior through openings in which the slots are spaced apart by a distance less than the first distance (referred to as a second distance), and the portion of the housing defining each opening is connected to its associated It includes at least one cam-like surface that serves to guide a terminal inserted into the opening into the slot.

The housing includes a closed free end and an open cord insertion end, and each channel includes a substantially laterally enclosed cell and an aligned recess formed in the chamber; It extends from the end to the chamber.

The connector depends from a surface of the chamber opposite the chamber floor and includes at least one rib extending from the cell toward the cord insertion end along the longitudinal centerline of the housing. Ribs extend from the surface of the chamber to the floor.

The chamber may include spaced apart ribs extending from the floor of the chamber toward the slot to form a recess.

Each slot communicates with its associated channel through a sandwiched aperture such that insertion of the terminal through the sandwiched aperture causes the material forming the opening to engage the side surface of the terminal. The channel may be substantially sealed from the slot.

Each slot is separated from its associated channel by a weak web of material penetrable by the terminal upon installation of the terminal in the slot, and the material of the web engages the side surfaces of the terminal to close the channel. It can be substantially sealed from the slot.

Each of the terminals has a tongue formed along one edge surface thereof for making electrical contact with a conductor, an upper surface having a curved end portion for engaging an external component, and a top surface of the terminal for engaging an external component. the upper surface and the cut-out edge portions are plated with a corrosion-resistant material.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The term "modularized cord system" refers to a system that includes a device attached to the housing and assembled to the end of the cord to enable the customer to connect the cord to the appliance. Modular equipment also reduces the amount of work required of the installer. The economic advantages of modularized systems, along with the benefits they provide to customers, have made such systems widely accepted.

Modularized cord systems typically include retractable cords 30-30 and wire cords 35-35.
(FIG. 1), each having a plurality of individually insulated flexible conductors 31-31 and terminated in modularized plugs 33-33. The flexible material 31 may be a stranded wire or preferably a plurality of tinsel ribbons 42-4 wound in a spiral manner throughout.
2 and wrapped with a suitable insulating cover 43 (FIG. 2). flexible conductor 31
-31 are preferably arranged side by side in a planar arrangement and include a common covering 44 made of a suitable plastic material. The final code shape is
It has a cross section of parallel sides and semicircular end faces, and is called a "flat cord."

By inserting plug 33 into jack 38, cord 30 is connected to telephone handset 34 (see FIG. 1) or base 36, while cord 35 is connected to wall terminal 37 or base 36. (See also figure 2). The jack 38 is typically shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,764 and is 1.016 mm on center.
Multiple linear contact members 3 spaced apart by (0.040 inch)
Includes 9-39.

Modularized plug 33, having a dielectric strength of at least 1000 volts, includes a housing 51 (see FIGS. 2 and 3A) made of an insulating material (eg, plastic) and a plurality of terminals 52-52. The terminals 52-52 electrically connect the cord end conductors 31-31 held within the plug 33 to electrical components of the telephone device, such as the wire contacts 39-39 of the jacket 38. Terminal 52-
52 is the linear contact member 39-3 of the jacket 38
9, and is removably mounted within the housing 51.

The housing 51 and terminal 52 parts are described with reference to United Kingdom Patent No. 1445270.

Terminal 52 is made from a sheet of conductive material, such as brass or phosphor bronze alloy. As best seen in FIG. 3A, the terminal 52 has flat side surfaces 53--53 spaced apart by an edge surface 54 from which tongues 56--
A contact portion in the form of 56 protrudes. When the terminal 52 is fully seated within the housing 51, the tongue 56-
56 penetrates and engages the insulation of conductors 31-31 (see FIG. 2).

Terminals 52-52 are exposed on the exterior surface of housing 51 and engage linear contact members 39-39 (see FIG. 2) of jacks 38-38 to connect electrical conductors 42-42 to external components. Includes external contacts that complete the passageway. Each terminal 52 has an external contact in the form of an upper surface 57 having a predetermined radius ridge 58-58 formed at the end. A curved edge 58 adjacent the free end 59 (see FIG. 2) of the housing 51 serves to engage a linear contact member 39 of the jack into which the plug 33 is inserted.

As can be seen in Figure 3A, each terminal 5
2 is formed with edge surfaces 61 and 62 and edge surfaces 63 and 64 (forming cut-out edge portions). Each terminal 52 has an overall length of approximately 4.2 mm (0.166 inch) with an edge surface 61 of approximately 1.7 mm.
(0.068 inch) long and edge surface 63 is approximately 1.1 mm
(0.045 inch) long. Edge surfaces 61 and 62 of terminal 52 are adapted to cooperate with housing 51 to support the terminal in both the rigged or partially inserted position and the final position.

When the terminal 52 is in the fully inserted position,
The tongues 56-56 extend through the conductors 31-31 and are slightly recessed in the bottom of the conductor receiving facilities of the housing 51 (see FIG. 2). This supplements the lateral edge support of the terminals 52--52 in the housing 51 to prevent unintentional movement of the terminals.

Selected surfaces of terminals 52 are plated with a metal, such as gold, to prevent corrosion. The selected surfaces are such that they are exposed and that one of the crests of each terminal has a linear contact member 39 (see FIG. 2).
and further includes an upper surface 57.

Conventional terminals are formed with spaced side edges having indexing cutouts when forming the terminal into a continuous strip (see Figure 3B). The partially formed terminal strips are plated and then split to form terminals. The portions of the side edges along the parting line do not engage the housing (made of plastic), and since these portions are not plated, they are extremely susceptible to corrosion.

By configuring the terminal 52 as shown in FIG. 3A, all of the edge surfaces that do not engage the plastic when the terminal is inserted into the housing 51 are interconnected to each other in the form of a strip. It can be plated (see Figure 3C).
These include top surface 57, ridges 58-58 and cutout edge surfaces 63 and 64.

Housing 51 is a single-piece, rigid housing (see FIGS. 4 and 5) constructed from plastic material by using conventional injection molding techniques. The plastic material must provide adequate mechanical strength and sufficient electrical insulation and may be, for example, polyester, polyamide or similar polymeric materials such as ABS plastic. The housing 51 includes a closed free end 59, a cord insertion end 72, a terminal receiving side 73, and a side 74 opposite the terminal receiving side 73.

As seen in FIG. 4, the cord insertion end 72 of the housing 51 is formed with a cord insertion hole 75 generally circumferentially surrounding the largest cord to be terminated by the plug 33.
The single segmented housing 51 requires no assembly of parts and is seamlessly constructed so that the cord insertion hole 75 is formed entirely therein. Cord insertion hole 75 has a diverging entrance 76 that advantageously prevents sharp bending of cord 30 or 35 during customer use. The wide end entrance 76 is also
This facilitates insertion of one end portion of cord 41 after some of the conductors 31-31 have been inserted.

Cord insertion hole 75 opens into a cavity 77 terminating adjacent to transition section 78 . Transition section 78
A fourth section is provided to connect cavity 77 to a plurality of conductor receiving channels generally designated 80-80.
It includes walls 79 which are sloped along the top and sides as shown.

Conductor receiving channel 80-8 of housing 51
0 is arranged in a row to provide a plurality of individual duct-like sections or cells 82-82 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) for receiving conductors 31-31 of cord 30 or 35. ing. Each of the cells 82-82 is large enough to accommodate one of the conductors of the new "flat" cord. The cell cross-section is generally slightly smaller than the largest expected conductor 31 cross-section. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the cells 82-82 terminate in a portion of the housing 51.

Additionally, housing 51 is configured to prevent voltage breakdown between adjacent conductors 31-31 and terminals 52-52. Voltage breakdown can be caused, for example, by the ingress of moisture or other contaminants through the free open ends of conventional plugs which corrode the terminals. The construction of housing 51 with free end 59 closed by section 81 prevents the ingress of moisture or other contaminants and provides plug 33 with a dielectric strength of 1000 volts.

As best seen in FIG. 4, cells 82--82 extend longitudinally of housing 51 from free end 59 toward a terminal receiving opening, indicated generally by numeral 83. Cell 82-82
are arranged in a row and can be approached from the terminal receiving side surface 73. This arrangement is a planar array of conductors 31
It should be understood that it is adapted to accommodate codes 30 or 35 with -31. Plug 33 may also be configured with two rows of conductor receiving cells to accommodate a cord having an older style "round" cord having a non-planar array of conductors.

Each of the cells 82-82 is laterally surrounded along its length by opposing walls 85-85, side walls 86-86, and partitions 87-87, which define a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. (See Figures 5 and 6). The orthogonal intersection of each two adjacent walls defining each cell has been replaced by a sloped surface 89 to provide more effective support of the conductor 31 thereon during insertion of the terminal. Also, the entrance to each cell 82 directed toward the cord insertion end 72 of the housing is provided at side surfaces 88-88.
It is chamfered along.

In addition to cells 82-82, conductor receiving channels 80-80 are aligned with associated ones of the cells;
Moreover, it includes a plurality of conductor receiving recesses 98-98 formed in a chamber 90 common to all the conductors 31-31. This recess 98-98 is formed by a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending ribs 91-91,
The ribs may have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape (see FIGS. 4, 5, 8, and 10), project from the floor 92 of the chamber 90, and extend beyond the cell partitions 87-87. are aligned with. The ribs 91-91 cooperate with the floor 92 to act as a guideway for the conductors 31-31, thereby aiding the installer in inserting the conductors 31-31 into the channels 80-80.

Chamber 90 is adapted to further improve the dielectric strength of plug 33. At least one additional rib 93 (see FIGS. 4, 6, 8 and 9A) is formed along the ceiling 94 of the housing 5.
It hangs from the ceiling 94 along the center line of 1. The ribs 93 extend the insulation path between the two most central conductors 31--31 that are most likely to cause breakdown.

In the other embodiment of FIG. 9B, a floor-to-ceiling partition 96 aligned with partition 87 along the longitudinal centerline of plug housing 51 includes cell 82.
-82 to transition section 78. In another embodiment, the housing includes a central partition 98 and ribs 9 hanging from the ceiling 94 on each side thereof.
7-97.

The assembler removes a sufficient length of cord covering to insert conductors 31-31 into predetermined ones of cells 82-82 (see FIG. 3A). The assembler then places the cord 3 in contact with the sloped surface 79 of the transition section 78 so that the conductors 31-31 extend toward the cells 82-82 along the guideway between the ribs 91-91.
Insert 0 or 35 covered parts.

The housing 51 is also configured to have a strain-relief facility that is activated after the tip of the coated cord 30 or 35 is inserted into the cavity 77. These facilities consist of a single separate housing 51 as opposed to two pieces.
enable.

The deformation release facility is located within an opening 101 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) opening in the terminal receiving side 73 of the housing 51. Covered mooring member 102
is disposed within opening 101 and includes surfaces 103 and 104 transversely along edge 106 . Covered anchoring member 102 extends generally across the width of opening 101 and is attached to housing 5 via a plastic hinge 109 directed toward free end 59 of the housing.
1 and is temporarily connected by a weakened web 111 to a wall 112 adjacent the cord insertion end 72 of the housing at the other end. The web 111 is attached to the covered mooring member 1 in an inoperative position during manufacture as shown in FIG.
02 to enable insertion of the end portion of the cord into the cavity 77. Surface 103 of coated mooring member 102 is shaped to include a centrally located stop 113 .

After inserting the end portion of the cord into the cavity 77, the assembler applies a force to the tether to break the web 111 and move the tether about its plastic hinge 109. The stop 113 locks the cord 30 into the housing 51 so that the anchoring member 1
cooperates with surfaces 112 and 118 to retain 02. This arrangement allows the plug 50 to continue to remain deformable and releasable during customer use when opposite forces are applied to the cord 41.

Plug 33 also includes a conductor deformation release facility, indicated generally by the numeral 120 (FIGS. 4 and 11).
(see figure). This conductor deformation release facility 120 is of the type shown, for example, in United Kingdom Patent No. 1445270.

Additionally, plug 50 includes a tab 115 within sheath 38 for locking the plug (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 11). Tab 115 and its operation are shown in United Kingdom Patent No. 1445270.

In order to attach a plurality of terminals to the housing 51, the housing has vertical holes 1 opening in the surface 73.
21 (FIG. 3A,
(See Figures 4 and 7). The vertical hole 121 is the wing 12
2-122 having a plurality of spaced apart longitudinally extending insulation separators with wings projecting from the interior surface 123 of the well 121 toward the surface 124 of the terminal receiving side 73. The wings 122-122 are spaced 0.040 inches apart on centers to accommodate the spacing of the jack linear contact members 39-39.
When the plug 33 is inserted into the jack 38, each linear contact member 39 is received between two adjacent ones of the wings 122-122 (see FIG. 14).

The housing 51 has a plurality of terminal receiving slots 13.
2-132 (see Figures 4 and 7),
Each of them is open to the surface 123 and has an associated one of the conductor receiving channels 80-80 and the wells 12.
1 is connected. Terminal receiving slot 132-1
32 includes end walls 136-136 and 137-137 extending parallel to cells 82-82 and facing toward free end 59 and cord insertion end 72, respectively. The ribs 93 define two terminal receiving slots 132 adjacent to the longitudinal centerline of the housing 51.
It hangs from the ceiling 94 of the space 80 between 132 and 132.

The conductor receiving channels 80-80 and associated terminal receiving facilities must be constructed within certain limits consistent with the size of the associated jacks 38-38 and cords 30 or 35. The 0.040 inch spacing of the external linear contact members 39-39 and the size of the jack 38 into which the plug 33 is inserted are standard dimensions used throughout the industry. The external dimensions of conductors 31-31 are constant. A partition adjacent the free end 59 of the housing 51 is provided with conductors 31-31 to provide optimum insulation strength.
Since the terminal receiving slot 13 is used between
The lateral spacing of the conductors held between ribs 91-91 in alignment with wings 122-132 is greater than the centerline spacing between adjacent ones of wings 122-122.

Terminal receiving slot 132-132 is terminal 52-
52 and transversely displacing them. This change in direction is achieved by connecting the terminals 52-52 to the wings 122-122.
or between one of the wings 122 and the vertical hole 121.
into the insertion position on 0.1016 mm (0.040 inch) center between the side walls of the Terminal 52 at front insertion position
The lateral spacing between 52 is slightly smaller than in the fully installed position. The construction of plug 33 increases dielectric strength while remaining compatible with existing standard jacks 38-38 and jack line spacing.

For lateral insertion and simultaneous movement of the terminals 52-52, the terminal-receiving slots 132-132 are inserted into the terminal-receiving side 73 of the housing 31 through associated openings 134-134 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).
The openings 134-134 are specially formed to connect the top surface of the plug housing with the vertical wall thereof. As can best be seen in FIG.
opposed cam-like surfaces 141-14 formed thereon;
It opens at 1. The openings 134-134 furthest from the centerline of the housing 51 each
one cam-like surface 1 formed along the surface of 2;
Contains only 42. Outermost terminal receiving slot 13
one cam-like surface 1 associated with each of 2-132
42, they are cam-like surfaces 141
- Must be greater than 141.

The function of cam-like surfaces 141 and 142 in redirecting terminals 52-52 can best be described by looking at FIGS. 12 and 13. A plurality of insertion rams 144-144 engage the previously advanced terminals 52-52 to force the terminals downwardly toward a fully installed position. 12th
In the illustration, insertion rams 144-144 are shown at terminals 52-5.
It can be seen that they are perfectly aligned one-to-one with 2. When the terminals 52-52 are moved downwardly, the two internal terminals 52-52 are brought into contact with the cam-like surface 141-1.
41, rotates slightly, and then resumes a generally vertical path of travel (see Figure 13). The two outer terminals 52-52 have cam-like surfaces 142-14.
2 and is laterally moved more than the two inner terminals. Fully installed position (first
4), the terminals 52-52 electrically engage the conductors 31-31 although they have been moved laterally from their original positions.

The cam-like surfaces 141 and 142 are used by external components spaced a predetermined distance apart to redirect the terminals 52-52 as they are fed into the insertion position of the device (not shown) at predetermined intervals. Conductors 31-
This is useful in installing the terminal within the housing so as to engage the terminal 31. This capability allows the use of a combination of individual cells 82-82 and rib extensions 91-91, which provides a dielectric strength of plug 33 of at least 1000 volts. At the same time, the external component, i.e. the linear contact member (jack wire) 39
-39 "standard" spacing is possible, thereby eliminating the need for expensive modifications to the assembly equipment and jacks already in use.

Terminals 52-52 must be reliably supported within housing 51 against unexpected movement. The support of the terminals 52-52 on the plug 33 can be doubled. First, since this plug 33 is intended for field assembly of cords 30 or 35, the terminals 52-52 are assembled into the plug at the manufacturing plant during the partial assembly stage (see FIG. 13) and then assembled in the field. shipped to users. This temporary support must be effective to prevent the terminal from inadvertently tipping or falling laterally or longitudinally. Second, permanent support is provided at terminals 52-5 when the terminals are fully installed within housing 51.
2 (see Figure 2 and Figure 1).
(See Figure 4).

When all of the cord conductors are arranged in a planar array, such as in the "flat" cords commonly manufactured today, the terminal support function is performed by the use of side bars as in United Kingdom 1445270. the side edge bar defines a terminal receiving slot;
and hollowing out portions of the end wall that provide only point support with plastic material. This arrangement may subject the terminal 52 to some rotational motion that may be a nuisance to tools used in the field for final installation. Also, it may not be possible to extend the portion of the housing adjacent the terminal receiving slot toward the terminal receiving side of the plug to provide additional support for the terminal.

Terminal 5 configured according to the shape shown in Fig. 3
2-52 alleviates those difficulties and provides substantial surface support for the terminals. Now, referring to the housing 51 of the present invention, each terminal receiving slot 132 is approximately 0.014 inches wide, while each terminal 52-52 is approximately 0.3448 mm wide.
(0.012 inch) thin sheet material. Therefore, in order to support the terminal in the housing without causing undesired disconnection of the terminal, the terminal 5
2-52 flat surface and terminal receiving slot 132-1
There is insufficient access between the 32 side walls.

The terminals 52--52 are located along the side edges for engaging the plastic material of the housing to support the terminals against unintentional movement. Terminal receiving slots 132-132 are located in end walls 136-13.
6 and 137-137, respectively, to provide interfitting with terminals 52-52 received therein (see FIG. 15). To provide this interfit, each terminal 52 must be approximately 3.4mm
(0.134 inch), while each terminal receiving slot 132 has an overall length of approximately 3.2 mm (0.126 inch).

Edge surface of terminal 52-52 and terminal receiving slot 1
The end surfaces 136 and 137 of 32-132 cooperate to suitably support the terminal in both the temporarily installed and fully installed positions. As can be seen from Figure 15,
Terminal 52- to terminal receiving slot 132-132
52, the edge surfaces 136-136 and 137-13 of the aperture may include some shear of the plastic, with edge surfaces 61-61 and 62-62.
Transform 7. End walls 136-136 and 137
-137 is generally modified to be a groove, the walls of which serve to stop the compressive engagement of the edge surface with the adjacent portions of the side surfaces 53-53 of the terminal. This arrangement provides a longer support surface for the terminals 52--52 than conventional terminals with bars formed on the sides, and particularly in the slots 132-52.
This is effective in preventing the terminal from tilting at 132.

This arrangement advantageously provides a continuous end support surface for the terminals 52--52, particularly for plugs 3 equipped with terminals in temporary locations for shipment to field users.
Help give 3. When the terminal 52 is in a temporary or installed position with the tips of the tongues 56-56 spaced apart on the conductor receiving facility, a substantial portion of the edge surfaces 61 and 62 that are uninterrupted by cutting may e.g. engaged with the wall.
When the terminal 52 is in the equipped partially inserted position, a total height of approximately 0.8 mm (approximately 0.033 inches) protrudes above the housing surface and approximately 2 mm (0.078 inches) protrudes above the well surface.

Terminal 52-52 and terminal receiving slot 132-
The shape of 132 also cooperates to protect the terminals from corrosion which reduces voltage breakdown strength. As best seen in FIG. 3C, the toothed edge surface 63 of each terminal used to index the strip of terminals and the linear contact member (jack wire) 39-3.
The ridges 58-58 used to distort the 9 can be plated along with the top surface 57. Accordingly, those surfaces of the terminals 52-52 that are exposed during use are plated. The unplated surfaces 61 and 62 formed when the terminal is separated from the continuous strip of partially formed terminals engage the plastic in the slots 132-132 in an interdigitating manner (see FIG. 15). . This reduces the surface area of the terminals 52--52 that is exposed to the atmosphere, thereby reducing corrosion of the terminals.

To further enhance the corrosion protection of the terminals 52-52, each of the slots 132-132 may have a thin, e.g.
It may be formed with a dividing wall 150 of 0.127 mm (0.005 inch) (see Figures 9B and 15). When the terminal 52 is driven to the fully installed position, the terminal passes through the dividing wall 150. This causes the separated portion of dividing wall 150, which was moved downwardly on terminal 52, to flex upwardly into locking engagement with side surfaces 53--53 of the terminal as shown in FIG. This means that the contaminants are in the slot 132.
-132 into the chamber 90 and corrode the unplated tongues 56-56, thereby advantageously preventing the dielectric strength of the cell from being compromised. This is an important consideration when creating a housing with a common chamber 90.

An alternative arrangement is to form the terminal receiving slot with a restraining area adjacent chamber 90 such that the restraining plastic forms a seal with the surface of the terminal when the terminal is inserted and installed. Either this partial occlusion of the interior of each slot 132 or a complete occlusion as described above is effective in preventing the ingress of contaminants into chamber 90.

Although the invention has been described with a single, separate housing 51, the invention is not so limited. The invention is also usefully applicable to two-piece plugs such as those shown in United Kingdom Patent No. 1,347,166 and US Pat. No. 3,761,869.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telephone base and handset connected together by a retractable cord terminated at each end by a modular plug embodying the invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view, partially in section, of a modular plug embodying the invention inserted into a telephone jack for connecting a flat cord having conductors arranged in a planar array with parts of the jack; It is a front view. Figure 3A shows
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the plug housing and cord aligned for assembly with the housing. Figure 3B shows
FIG. 3 is a front view of a portion of a partially formed, relatively early type terminal strip; FIG. 3C is a front view of a portion of a partially formed terminal strip. FIG. 4 is a partially cross-sectional front view of the modular plug before terminal insertion.
5 is a plan view of the plug housing of FIG. 4; FIG. FIG. 6 is an end view of the plug housing of FIG. 5 taken along line 6--6. Figure 7 shows
6 is a cross-sectional end view of the housing of FIG. 5 taken along line 7--7; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view of the housing of FIG. 5 taken along line 8--8. Figures 9A and 9B are approximately 9A-9A and 9B-
9B is a partial cross-sectional view of a variation of the plug of FIG. 5 taken along line 9B; FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the housing near the terminal receiving slot. FIG. 11 shows, partially in section, the plug of FIG. 5 with the terminal in a partially inserted position equipped and a deformable release facility in an activated position for retaining the cord within the plug housing; FIG. FIG. 12 is an end view showing the plug housing of FIG. 4 and the terminal immediately before insertion aligned with the opening in the plug housing. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the plug housing of FIG. 12 and the terminal inserted into the housing and laterally moved into a plane aligned with the jack component. FIG. 14 is an end view of the plug of FIG. 13 after the terminals are fully installed. Figure 15 shows
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing one of the terminals installed in the plug housing with a portion of the housing broken away to show one of the conductor receiving cells with the conductor removed for clarity; FIG. 16 is an enlarged detail showing the engagement of one of the conductors and terminals. 17th
The figure is an enlarged perspective view of a modular plug assembled to one end of a telephone cord. [Explanation of symbols of main parts] 30, 35... Cord, 31... Conductor, 51... Housing, 52
... terminal, 53 ... side surface, 54 ... edge surface, 5
6...Tongue, 57...Upper surface, 58...Mountain, 6
1, 62... Edge surface, 63, 64... Edge surface, 5
9...Free end, 72...Cord insertion end, 80...
Conductor receiving channel, 82... cell, 83... opening, 90... chamber, 98... recess, 91... rib,
92...floor, 93...rib, 94...ceiling, 96
...Partition, 132...Terminal receiving slot, 13
4...Opening, 141, 142...Cam-shaped surface, 1
50... Separation wall.

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. An insulative housing having a plurality of conductor receiving channels spaced apart from each other by a distance (hereinafter referred to as a first distance) and a plurality of terminal receiving slots associated with the conductor receiving channels; an electrically conductive terminal inserted at least partially into each of the terminal receiving slots; each terminal receiving slot being aligned with its associated conductor receiving channel and having a distance greater than the first spacing; communicating with the outside through a plurality of apertures spaced apart from each other by small distances (hereinafter referred to as second distances); a portion of the insulative housing defining each of the apertures and communicating with the associated terminal; at least one cam-like surface operative to guide a terminal inserted into the opening into the receiving slot; wherein the electrically conductive terminal penetrates the insulation in the associated conductor-receiving channel to connect the conductor and the electrical conductor. an internal contact portion for making contact, an external contact portion for allowing electrical contact to the outside, and edge portions disposed on each side that compressively engage the material of the housing to resist unexpected movement of the terminal. an electrical connector for terminating a cord having multiple insulated conductors. 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the insulative housing includes a closed free end and an open cord insertion end, and each of the conductor receiving channels is substantially laterally enclosed. An electrical connector comprising a cell and an aligned recess formed in a chamber, the cell extending from a closed free end to the chamber. 3. In the electrical connector according to claim 2, the cord insertion end hangs from the surface of the chamber opposite to the floor of the chamber, and extends from the cell along the longitudinal centerline of the insulating housing. An electrical connector comprising at least one rib extending in a direction. 4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein the rib extends from the surface of the chamber to the floor. 5. An electrical connector according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the chamber includes spaced ribs extending from the floor thereof toward the terminal receiving slot and forming a recess. An electrical connector featuring: 6. An electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which each terminal receiving slot communicates with its associated conductor receiving channel through a pinched opening, thereby an electrical connector characterized in that upon insertion of a terminal through the aperture, the material forming the aperture engages a side surface of the terminal to substantially seal the conductor receiving channel from the terminal receiving slot. . 7. In the electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, each terminal receiving slot is made of a material that can be penetrated by a terminal when the terminal is installed in the terminal receiving slot. An electrical connector separated from its associated conductor-receiving channel by a weak web, the material of the web engaging a side surface of the terminal to substantially seal the channel from its slot. 8. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the terminals has a tongue formed along one edge surface thereof for making electrical contact with the conductor; an upper surface having a curved end portion for engaging an external component; and opposing edge portions cut out adjacent the curved end portion of the upper surface; An electrical connector characterized in that an edge portion is coated with a corrosion-resistant material. 9. An electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a terminal is located in the associated terminal receiving slot of the terminal and a cord terminated by the electrical connector. An electrical connector characterized in that it is in electrical contact with each conductor.